Run: 2026-09-23-01M37PMMMW4RQF1C7CM65JJM8X

"Right," said Molly, unrolling the map. "The Henderson kid turns seven Saturday. Forty guests. Forty presents." "Forty presents," Bill whispered. "That's more than my last three birthdays combined." "You've never had a birthday present." "Exactly. This is personal." "Focus. We go in as entertainment. I'm the magician. You're the clown." "Why am I always the clown?" "Because you already own the shoes." "Those are orthopedic." "They're red and size nineteen, Bill." "Fine. What's my act?" "Balloon animals. While the kids are distracted, I make the presents disappear." "Actually disappear?" "Into the van." "And if they notice?" "They're seven. They can't count past the cake." "What if there's a bouncy castle?" "Why would that matter?" "I just want to know if there's a bouncy castle." "There's a bouncy castle." "Then I'm going to need twenty minutes unaccounted for." "Bill." "Ten minutes." "Can you even make balloon animals?" "I can make a snake." "That's just a balloon." "It's a very convincing snake." "What about the mums?" "I'll charm them." "You'll terrify them." "Same thing, basically." Molly sighed and folded the map. "We leave at noon." "Can we stay for cake?" "Absolutely not." "Party bags?" Molly stared until Bill looked away.